Tim and Jen talk

You stretched your arms out and slowly manipulated the arms, wrists, and shoulders. As Dr. Saunders walked you through a list of physical tests, the last in a series he had assured, Jennifer watched in the background silently. It puzzled you a bit that she was so quiet, knowing your mom was always a boisterous person, but decided not to inquire at the moment. The look that you shared told you that she understood your confusion and they would "talk later" she mouthed you before the two doctors took over.

"Any pain in your head, near your temples, behind your eyes?" You shook yourhead. "Any dizziness or light-headedness?" Again, you shook your head. Saunders carefully moved your head from side to side, monitored your eye tracking and then made a few more notes. "We'll look over your notes but I'm satisfied the tests are clear and correct: we can discharge you later on today. There won't be any medical side effects but we'll have you schedule a follow on in a few months, just to make sure."

You nodded and after shaking both doctor's hands, the two left the room. A nurse came in and after adjusting the IV lines and monitor, left the two of you alone. Jennifer shifted in her position that she had spent the past hour, her back slightly sore, and you, noticing, motioned for her to come over. When she cast you a puzzled look, you laughed a bit. "Dad may not have noticed, mom, but I know you. Your back's hurting, right?" Motioning again for her to approach and when she did, you reached out slowly and began to massage her lower back, just above the spot where she was experiencing pain. "Better?"

She nodded and the two of you were silent for a moment before she broke the silence. "You're wondering why I didn't tell Tabitha or David?"

You nodded, gently applying some additional pressure and causing your mom's body to shudder slightly. "One would think that they should know, at the very least, to help cover some awkward moments."

Jennifer thought about it for a moment before she turned and looked at you. "I thought so, too, but then I figured they had lost their dad and brother, potentially, so I didn't want them to be tossed around if this crazy shit came to pass, y'know?" She laughed a little before she slowly took your hand off her back and held it. "Besides, the less that they have to think about all of this, the better. It'll make our adjustment easier as well."

You spent the next few minutes talking about your dad's work, having taken off medical leave and were scheduled to return in a few weeks, how the family had already held your funeral while you were under, and how Tabitha and David were adjusting to suddenly experiencing the **** of their brother. She had chosen wisely in spite of the time crunch: it would be easier to accept your **** than to have to pretend you were dead but living in their father's body.

While she was talking, you gently started to caress her hand, rubbing your thumb gently along her palm and giving it a squeeze or two. It was a simple act but one your mom appreciated by the smile that was on her face. "Come here, Jen," you whispered and she slowly responded, lowering herself onto the hospital bed and being seated next to you. "You've been asking me if I can do this, if I can live as dad. Let me ask you now: can you accept me living as dad?"